Bexley Magazine - Winter 2017

GROWTH

Place and Making Institute

RENT IT RIGHT Licensing consultation

PICTURE BEXLEY

Competition

CULTURE NEWS

#backthebexleybid

Winter

Bexley

Latest news and information from your Council

Community Investment

MAGAZINE WINTER 2017

Bexleyheath Police Station saved!

Bexley’s first book festival

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07/11/2017 11:01:42

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Inside your magazine 5

Place making

6

Success for Police Station Campaign

11

Rent it right

Another Bexley first

7

9

19

Clean and green

Lantern parade

Your community 18-19

What’s on 26-27

Your local health service 23

Services 29

Local Information 25

Local organisations 30

Front cover - Honour (8) and Josh Cambridge (6), and Kit (7) and Rae Scott-White (4) help Cllr Peter Craske with one of the new trees planted across Bexley this autumn If you would like to know more about the services the Council provides, or would like either a translation of this document or the information in a different format, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777, quoting reference: 602063/11.17 London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 7AT • Phone: 020 8303 7777 Website: www.bexley.gov.uk • Email: communications@bexley.gov.uk • Distributed free of charge to every property in the borough • Editorial: Bexley Communications Team. Designed and produced by: Bexley Graphics.

London Borough of Bexley does not accept responsibility for goods or services offered by advertisers

Welcome I must start by thanking the thousands of you who got behind our campaign to save Bexleyheath Police Station. Without your help and the involvement of the Bexley Neighbourhood Watch Association we wouldn’t have been able to demonstrate the strength of local opposition.

The decision to keep the station open is brilliant news for us all.

Inside this magazine you can also read about the significant investment we are making to keep the borough clean and green. We have listened to you and used our own local knowledge to bring forward a wide range of projects that includes planting new trees, deep cleaning streets and installing bins. Next month we will also take delivery of a new street cleaning machine, to help keep our town centres looking their best.

There are lots of festive events at Hall Place, Danson House and across the borough.

Not forgetting Bexley’s first ever Christmas Lantern Parade on 7 December.

Going into the New Year, we have the fantastic ‘Dino Live’ exhibition at Hall Place. It will be followed by our first ever literary festival ‘BookBuzz’, with talks by famous writers, book characters, drama and illustration workshops and much more, which I hope many of you will be taking part in.

So there will be plenty to enjoy over the festive season and into 2018. Which only leaves me to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year!

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE Leader of the Council

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news

Fast forward for former Blockbuster store After the premises had stood empty for several years, the Council acquired 106 High Street, Sidcup in September for redevelopment.

It is progressing the idea of attracting a independent picture house operator to the site, as well as co-locating Sidcup Library to a more central position in the town.

Cllr Linda Bailey, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth said: “We want to create new destinations that will ensure local residents enjoy our high streets and that local businesses thrive.”

Cllr Peter Craske, Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, added: “The site has good transport links and car parks nearby.

I am really excited by the idea of getting a picture house back in the town and the chance of having the library in a more central position.”

There are no plans for the current library site at present. If the relocation plans go ahead, given the general residential nature of Hadlow Road it is likely the site would be redeveloped for that purpose.

New station opens at Abbey Wood “The opening of the new station in Abbey Wood is really good news for all of Bexley’s residents and businesses and is an important step forward in our plans to improve transport connections and services in the borough.”

The new Elizabeth Line station at Abbey Wood opened on 22 October.

Initially passengers will only be able to access the existing Southeastern services which operate on the North Kent line. When the new Elizabeth Line fully opens in December 2018, trains will run direct from Abbey Wood to central London and on to Reading and Heathrow in the west and Shenfield in the east. Journey times from Abbey Wood to central

London will be under 25 minutes.

Bexley is delivering major improvements to the areas outside the new station creating better access for pedestrians and cyclists.

Update on Bexleyheath improvements

Council Leader Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE

The main works on Albion Road have finished and the road has now been surfaced. Minor works such as road signing and landscaping improvements will continue, without major impact on traffic over the Christmas period.

Improvements include wider footpaths and increased access to the main shopping area for pedestrians, more trees, segregated cycle lanes on both sides of the new carriageway and new more direct zebra crossings at key locations along the road. The new zebra crossings are raised so that traffic is required to slow down on approach. Drivers are reminded that there is a 30mph speed limit in operation along all of Albion Road.

Works on Gravel Hill will continue until March 2018. The aim of all the work is to ensure Bexleyheath remains a vibrant town centre.

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High profile event for Place and Making Institute The beginning of November saw a high profile event at City Hall to explore the proposal for a Place and Making Institute in east Thamesmead.

The event was organised by the Council, Peabody and London South East College to discuss the creation of the Institute as a centre of excellence for learning, research, innovation and enterprise related to the built environment.

It was organised to promote the wide range of opportunities available for organisations to

become involved in the project.

Industry and educational specialists will be able to help shape the facilities and curricula. Teaching institutions, including universities, will be able to join a confederation of learning providers, while businesses will be able to co-locate on the site and nearby. There are also opportunities for sponsorship.

Speakers included Lord Kerslake, Chair of Peabody and former Head of the Civil Service, Jules Pipe, Deputy Mayor of London for Planning, Regeneration and Skills, plus leading figures from the worlds of business and education.

Organisations interested in knowing more about the proposal should email placeandmakinginstitute@bexley.gov.uk

#backthebexleybid!

Bexley officially launched its bid to become London Borough of Culture last month at a special event at Hall Place and Gardens.

Music from Bird College, stilt walkers, juggling skills, free face painting, a giant colourful 3D piece of pavement art and much more, marked the launch that puts Bexley in the running for more than £1 million for local projects and programmes.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure, Cllr Peter Craske said: “I know from the launch event and from speaking to residents that we have a lot of local support.

“Our residents have a fantastic sense of pride in our borough.

Winning this bid would help us to highlight some of our amazing existing culture as well as nurturing new projects. Winning this accolade would be fantastic for our brilliant borough.”

The Mayor of London announced the London Borough of Culture programme earlier this year.

The winning borough will be named in February.

Show your support for Bexley • Visit www.bexleyculture.london and get involved • Email us at culture@bexley.gov.uk to share your ideas • Follow @whatsoninbexley on Twitter, #backthebexleybid, #mylocalculture • Vote for Bexley in the ITN poll on the ITV website http://www.itv. com/news/london/2017-06-30/ which-borough-should-benamed-london-borough-ofculture/

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news

#BrilliantBexley The new Corporate Plan for the borough ‘#BrilliantBexley - Shaping our future together 2017-2025’ was agreed by the Council’s Cabinet last month.

Polling station review Following the review of Bexley’s electoral arrangements carried out by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England earlier this year, the number of wards in the borough is to reduce from 21 to 17 from 3 May 2018, the date of next year’s local elections.

As result of these changes the Electoral Registration Officer is required to carry out a review of the polling districts and polling places in the borough. As part of the review we hope to reduce the number of portacabins in use and improve access and visibility. We will also be using more community facilities, such as churches and libraries.

A summary of the submissions received from electors and other interested parties together with the Returning Officer’s provisional recommendations on the review can be found online at www.bexley.gov.uk/ pollingstationreview2017

The plan sets out the Council’s vision and strategic medium-term priorities from now until 2025.

The major themes within the plan include the delivery of a long-term, sustainable and supported economic growth and prosperity, plus improving the quality of life for residents and communities.

The plan identifies specific outcomes, to identify the benefits that

the plan aims to deliver for local people. #BrilliantBexley – Shaping our future together’ is available online at www.bexley.gov.uk/corporateplan or as a hard copy from the Civic Offices, Contact Centre or Council libraries.

“Unlike some of the dry Corporate Plans of the past #BrilliantBexley is an exciting, bright, easy to read document that is available as an interactive online document and as a hard copy.”

Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE, Leader of the Council

Bexleyheath Police Station stays open!

The Council welcomed the news earlier this month that Bexleyheath Police Station will not close as a result of spending reductions being made by the Mayor of London.

“I am absolutely delighted that the Mayor has listened to the views of all those who campaigned so energetically to ‘Save Bexleyheath police station’,” said Cllr Teresa O’Neill OBE. “I would like to thank all the campaigners – including Bexley Neighbourhood Watch and our local MPs - who helped us make sure the views of local people were heard.”

In making its announcement, City Hall said that the Metropolitan Police had come to the view that a police station in Bexleyheath is needed to avoid operational risk to the delivery of services. It also acknowledged the strong views expressed locally about the closure.

Bexley has been one of London’s safest boroughs for many years, thanks in part to a close working relationship between the emergency services and the Council. Bexley will continue to monitor the impact that other proposed changes to policing may have on this.

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Bexley’s first ever literary festival - ‘Bookbuzz’ - will take place next year from 10-24 February.

The festival will feature events across the borough, including visits from authors, illustrators, storytellers, drama and art workshops, creative writing workshops, visits from famous book characters, poetry sessions and much more.

Authors set to visit the borough during the fortnight include world famous Ben Aaronovitch, Mike Gayle, Alison Weir, Stephen Booth, Rosie Goodwin and Simon Brett.

During the fortnight there will be a chance to take part in ‘Where’s Wally hunts’ and a special look into the ‘Wizarding World of Harry Potter’.

There will be sessions on how to self-publish and the chance to try some book illustration skills.

The programme will be available online at www.bexley.gov.uk/ libraries and in Council libraries from January.

Author and some other events will be ‘ticket only’ and spaces can be reserved either online or through a Council library once the full programme has been announced.

Keep an eye on www.bexley.gov.uk/ news or follow @whatsoninbexley for updates.

“There is something for everyone.

We have fiction and non-fiction authors coming to talk about their work alongside visits from the Gruffalo and a performance of The Twits!

“All of it is either free or available for a small fee. So pick up your festival programme as soon as it is available and get planning!”

Cllr Peter Craske, Cabinet Member

Keeping our children safe Bexley was invited to join a Department for Education funded Innovations Project earlier this year.

It provides an opportunity to work with nine other local councils for two years to spread the national ‘Signs of Safety’ best practice in children’s social care.

The partnership will mean extra resources and opportunities, as well as giving Bexley the chance to contribute to national research on what makes ‘Signs of Safety’ effective.

‘Signs of Safety’ is a well-respected and innovative approach to child protection cases. Bexley adopted ‘Signs of Safety’ as its practice framework for its work with children in 2015.

The Innovations Project is led by Professor Eileen Munro, Dr Andrew Turnell and Terry Murphy, who are world leading experts in the field of child protection.

Local lottery for Bexley Local voluntary and community groups will be able to benefit from a new way to raise funds when a lottery launches in Bexley in the New Year.

Based on successful models already used in other parts of the country, the Bexley Community Lottery will be overseen by Bexley and Bexley Voluntary Service Council. It will be run by a licensed external lottery management company.

The lottery will be run online and people who play will be able to choose which local organisations participating in the lottery will benefit from their ticket money.

Tickets are likely to cost just £1 each for a range or cash prizes that could include a jackpot of as much as £25,000 when the lottery is fully established.

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news

Wanted: Friends for green spaces Improving our digital connectivity Councillors have approved a plan to achieve a step change in Bexley’s digital infrastructure.

Members of Friends of the Shuttle and Sidcup Garden Project at the London in Bloom Awards with Richard Vero, Parks & Cemeteries Development Officer

There are seven ‘Friends Groups’ across the borough that work closely with the Council to provide clean and well maintained green spaces. Not only does the volunteers’ work significantly benefit residents, visitors and the environment, it also helps to keep them healthy, active, and make new lasting friendships.

This year two groups, Friends of the Shuttle and Sidcup Garden Project, picked up the

‘Level 4 - Thriving Award’ in the London in Bloom, ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ competition.

Bexley currently has 106 green spaces that vary greatly in size - from Foots Cray Meadows at 100 hectares to Parkhurst Gardens at 0.2 hectares.

If you would like to set up your own Friends Group in your local green space, please contact the Parks and Open Spaces team on 020 8303 7777.

For the magazine on tape or CD call 020 3045 3605

It’s designed to help improve fixed, mobile and wireless digital connectivity across the borough for existing and new residents and businesses over the next few years.

Bexley’s digital infrastructure plan has four main elements – 1 Digital ‘in fill’ to give most existing homes in Bexley access to super and ultra-fast broadband.

2 Borough-wide coverage of high speed, high capacity wireless and mobile services.

3 Ensuring that all new developments are built with access to a choice of ultra-fast broadband infrastructure providers.

4 Working to explore a new Bexley ‘fibre’ network to serve public buildings, partners and businesses.

The Council will be offering a concession for fixed, wireless and mobile digital services. It will also bid for a grant from the Government to install a new private fibre network.

Successfully delivering the plan will involve a partnership with commercial digital utility providers. The Council hopes that the first improvements will be delivered during 2018.

Digital connectivity is an increasingly vital enabler of economic success and investment potential. It is also central to the borough’s future social and cultural development. Achieving a major stepchange in ultra-fast fixed and mobile digital services will make Bexley a preferred Borough for investment and help broaden our local economic base.

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Council clean-up Heavily parked residential side roads across Bexley were the focus of a Council initiative in October and November.

Working with its contractor Serco, the Council made a concerted effort to sweep some side roads that normally cannot be cleaned properly due to parked cars.

The Council put up notices and wrote to residents in selected roads in Belvedere, Bexleyheath, Erith, Northumberland Heath, Sidcup and Welling, asking them to keep their

roads clear on the days the cleaning team arrived to clean up.

The response from residents was very positive and many roads are showing the benefit of their clean sweep.

More deep cleans are planned in the spring.

Cllr Peter Craske with Ant Gardener & Michael Spink of Serco

“I am really grateful to residents for the way they have worked with us to help bring their streets up to standard.�

Cllr Peter Craske, Cabinet Member

Branching out An ambitious street planting programme that began last month will see more than 250 trees planted across the borough.

The programme is part of the extra investment taking place over the autumn, winter and into the spring, to help improve local places and communities.

Different tree types are being planted in streets and highway verges. The replacement trees

have been carefully selected to replace those which had died or become fatally diseased.

The young trees will each be protected by wire cages. Local people are being asked to keep a friendly eye on the new trees, give them a little water if they look thirsty and report any vandalism to the Parks and Open Spaces Team on 020 8303 7777 or email parks&openspaces@bexley. gov.uk

Clean as a new bin As the magazine goes to print, brand new bins will start to appear in the borough’s parks and open spaces and in some parts of Bexley.

The bins are larger than the ones they replace and so hold much more litter.

They are also enclosed reducing the likelihood of windblown rubbish finding its way onto the pavement or highway.

The heavier model will hopefully deter vandalism and, in contrast to the old post mounted bins, they have a solid stable base.

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caring

Connect in Bexley Community Connect is a new service supporting local people to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with activities, support and services in the community.

There are many non-medical issues that can make people feel stressed, isolated or unwell.

The new service can help you to find support for issues outside of the usual care that your GP or nurse may be able to provide.

You will be able to talk through any problems that you are having and what is key to your wellbeing, then receive help to find activities and services that may make a difference to your life and support to access them.

If you are over 18 and registered with a Bexley GP then you can access the Community Connect service. You or any member of your GP practice can make a referral by visiting www.communityconnect bexley.co.uk

Bexley’s Drug and Alcohol Service The Pier Road Project at Erith Health Centre is a new free and confidential service that offers support with drug and/or alcohol addiction to Bexley residents aged 18+.

Highly skilled doctors, nurses and recovery workers are on hand to provide information and advice, one-to-one support and group work in a friendly setting.

Pop in on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 9.30am to 12 noon, or Tuesday 2pm to 4.30pm.

The project is based at the Erith Health Centre, near Morrisons and Erith Riverside Shopping Centre, at 50 Pier Road, DA8 1RQ If you would prefer an appointment call 01322 357940 or speak to your GP or social worker who can refer you.

0-19 Health Service

Bexley Volunteer Fair Do you have an hour or two to spare a week? Do you want to make a difference in your community?

Volunteering has so many benefits and is easier than you think!

Come along to our volunteer fair to meet local voluntary organisations looking for volunteers.

Friday 26 January, 12-2pm at Geddes Place Church, Bexleyheath (behind Nandos) With so much to choose from, we can help you find the perfect role!

For more information contact bexleyvc@bvsc.co.uk

This free service provides a health visiting and school nursing function to all Bexley residents.

Health visitors work with children aged 0-4, providing baby clinics, reviews and assessments, plus information and advice.

School nurses work with children and young people aged 5-19 both directly and through their virtual nurse service on their website.

They also provide height and weight measurement, hearing and vision testing and health information for young adults.

The service is delivered for the Council by Bromley Healthcare.

For more information on what the service has to offer visit www.bexley0to19.co.uk or call 0300 330 5777.

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community

Rent it Right

The Council is consulting on a proposal to introduce a property licensing scheme called ‘Rent it Right’.

This scheme would introduce l a borough-wide Additional Licensing Scheme for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) l Selective Licensing Schemes applying to all private rented properties in four defined areas: Thamesmead North, Abbey Wood, Lower Belvedere and parts of Erith.

The schemes have been designed to help reduce the levels of anti-social behaviour within those four areas and from HMOs across the Borough, as well as providing support for local tenants and landlords.

The consultation runs between 20 November to the 31 January.

Licensing forums for landlords, residents and tenants will take place in January: l 11 January between 1pm and 4pm at Belvedere Community Centre, Mitchell Close, Belvedere, DA17 6AA and l17 January 6.30 -8.30pm at Civic Offices, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT. Come along and tell us what you think.

For full details of the scheme and how to take part in the consultation visit www.bexley.gov.uk/rentitright or call 020 3045 3456.

“Introducing this scheme would greatly improve the standard of private renting and tackle any sub-standard poorly managed private rented properties. It will also help provide support to landlords providing good quality private rented properties and HMOs.” Cllr Brad Smith, Cabinet Member for Adult Services

Keep warm, keep well As we get older, our bodies respond differently to the cold and this can leave us more vulnerable. Here are some tips for staying safe and warding off the winter chills.

Stay warm

Stay safe

Heat your home to at least 18°C and close windows at night.

Wear layered clothing, even indoors, and try not to sit still for more than an hour. Get up and make a warm drink. Wrap a scarf around your mouth outside.

Have your heating and appliances checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Wear shoes with a good grip if you go outside.

Contact energy suppliers to get added to the Priority Services Register, a service for older and disabled people.

Stay healthy Aged 65+? Contact your GP to get your free flu jab and check you’ve had a ‘pneumo’ jab. Make sure you have medicine for colds or sore throats.

If you’re having difficulty paying your heating bills or would like more winter preparation advice contact Age UK Bexley on 020 8300 0883.

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caring

Care scheme shortlisted for award Members of the partnership delivering Bexley’s successful Discharge to Assess scheme are celebrating their shortlisting for a national award by the prestigious Health Services Journal.

D2A – as it’s known for short - is an innovative and collaborative approach to patient care which sees health and adult social care professionals work together to help people to return home sooner from hospital. Patients who don’t require a hospital bed, but may still need care services, are discharged with a full care package. An assessment of their long-term health and social care

needs is made in their home after they have been discharged.

Bexley Care - the local partnership between the Council and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust - is playing an important role in the scheme. D2A is one of a range of ways it is working to provide more joined up care and support, to help people remain independent for longer and reduce hospital admissions.

Disability discounts on Council Tax If someone in your home is disabled or severely mentally impaired, you may be entitled to a discount on your Council Tax. To qualify, certain conditions must be met, which include providing evidence that you

Join us!

• Run in a group to work on

Community Projects • Run to help out older people with one-off practical tasks • Run regularly to visit an isolated older person Sign up at www.goodgym.org

are already in receipt of certain benefits, or that you have a second bathroom, kitchen or other special room to meet the needs of a disabled resident.

Visit www.bexley.gov. uk/counciltax for more information and details of how to apply

Helping adults to live free from abuse The Bexley Safeguarding Adults Board (BSAB) is a statutory partnership under the Care Act 2014, providing leadership for adult safeguarding in the borough.

Part of their work includes speaking with people with learning disabilities about how to break down barriers and make supporting people with learning difficulties easier. The board also provides information on keeping adults at risk safe and free from harm and how to report any concerns.

The BSAB website provides a range of information for people who may experience or be at risk of experiencing harm, as well as families, carers and professionals who work with people in a health and social care setting.

Visit www.safeguardingadultsinbexley.com If you need to report an Adult Safeguarding Concern contact the Contact Centre on 020 8303 7777 or email bsab@bexley.gov.uk

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Ageing Well event success Bexley’s Civic Offices was packed with people wanting to find out about support and opportunities for older residents, their families and carers at a free event in October.

Over 30 organisations were on hand to talk to residents, including Age UK, Mind in Bexley, Contact the Elderly and the Alzheimer’s Society, as well as Bexley’s leisure centres, libraries and tourist attractions. One resident whose father had just been diagnosed with dementia said that being able to talk face to face with the Alzheimer’s Society about the support available had being “hugely reassuring.”

Feedback following the event has been very positive. One resident said: “I was exceptionally impressed with the entire event, obviously a great

deal of thought and work has gone into it and it shows!” Another said “I had a great two hours here, well organised, helpful and all the folk here had time to speak to you.”

Visitors were asked questions about Bexley’s services, their home and community by Healthwatch Bexley, an organisation that helps people get the best from their health and social care services. The feedback will help to develop Bexley’s new Ageing Well Strategy, which aims to showcase the work the Council and its partners are doing to support residents to age well.

If you’d like to help develop the strategy email strategic.partnerships@ Bexley.gov.uk or write to Public Health, London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT

Be prepared this winter Bagged rock salt and snow scoops are available from the Council’s Reuse and Recycling Centre, Maidstone Road, Foots Cray, DA14 5HS. They are being sold on a ‘first come, first served’ basis and only on production of the Council’s orange or green Reuse and Recycling Centre permit. Permits can be requested using the online leaflets and permit form at https://mybexley. firmstep.com.

The scheme is limited to one bag of rock salt and one snow scoop per household.

• 25kg bagged rock salt - £5 • Pre-assembled snow scoop - £9 The recycling and reuse centre at Foots Cray opens daily 7.30am to 4pm - except for Wednesdays, when it is closed.

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07/11/2017 10:52:09

celebrations

In the festive spirit Why not come down to Hall Place and Gardens to get in the Christmas mood with some relaxing music in the Visitor Centre?

Greenwich String Quartet will be playing on 10 December and Jack’s Jazz Band will be there on 17 December. Pop along between 11am and 3pm. It’s free!

Combine your visit with a hot chocolate or piece of cake from the Riverside Cafe in the Visitor Centre and be entertained while you eat.

Hall Place has a packed Christmas events programme.

There is something for everyone: from Christmas Garden trails, through to carol concerts, Christmas lunches and party evenings.

For more information please turn to our ‘What’s On’ section on pages 26 & 27.

Alternatively pick up our events leaflet on site, or visit www.hallplace.org.uk For regular updates sign up to the Hall Place & Gardens monthly email newsletter via the Council’s website.

Food safety success National consumer organisation ‘Which?’ has praised Bexley’s food hygiene enforcement record, naming it the best performing London Borough and the most improved authority in the country.

In 2015 Bexley made major changes to the way food safety is investigated in the borough.

This included increasing staffing levels, coupled with significantly increased inspection, advice

and enforcement action to raise standards by lower rated businesses. Bexley food businesses are now among the highest rated for food hygiene in London.

Restaurants and takeaways should display their food hygiene score in their window. If they don’t, remember to ask what it is before you book, visit www.food.gov.uk or download the Food Hygiene Rating App for Android or Apple.

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07/11/2017 10:52:31

Picture Bexley What image sums up your community? It could be a catchup with your neighbours, school friends, or a voluntary group, a church hall, a local pub, a weekly gym class or toddler group, a walking group, reading club or even your corner shop. We are looking for photos that capture what community means to our residents.

The photos will be used to illustrate copies of Bexley’s new ‘Stronger Community Strategy’, on social media and on the Council’s website.

The best photo will take pride of place on the cover of the new strategy and could be in with the chance to win shopping vouchers, family membership to Hall Place or two tickets for Cineworld, Bexleyheath. The winning image will also join some of the other entries

in a display at Hall Place and on a billboard in Bexleyheath town centre.

Tweet your pics up until 1 January 2018 to @LBofBexley or add them to Instagram to @lb_bexley or Facebook at www.facebook.com/ LBBexley using #picturebexley

Bexley team reach national award final Bexley’s Cemetery team were finalists in this year’s Association for Public Service Excellence Awards. The awards recognise excellence in local government frontline services across the UK.

Foster in Bexley Jill Harradine is one of Bexley’s Foster Carers.

Jill, from Sidcup, is approved for up to three children at any time and looks after children aged 0-10.

Jill says: “We are currently looking after two siblings, both with special needs. While it can be demanding and challenging

at times, when I put my head on the pillow at night I know there is nothing I would rather be doing.

“It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done and it is wonderful seeing the difference you can make.

“I would advise anyone thinking of a fostering career to have a chat with the fostering team in Bexley.”

Find out more about more about becoming a Foster Carer in Bexley. Visit www.bexley.gov. uk/fostering call 020 3045 4400 or email fostering@bexley. gov.uk

The team received a Finalist certificate in the innovative services delivery cemetery and crematorium service category for their work in transforming unused land previously considered unsuitable for burials. The team have introduced a new system of chambers, vaults and mausoleums offering more choice for bereaved residents. www.bexley.gov.uk/funerals

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community

Kick start for start-ups A pilot project offering workspace to business start-ups and entrepreneurs has arrived in Bexley.

TheWorkary – offering dedicated co-working space in your library offers affordable, flexible and fixed desk space at Welling Library, from as little as £65 a month, for a wide range of start-ups and co-workers.

It aims to create a community of like-minded business people who not only grow their own businesses, but support each other through the Wimbletech CIC’s network.

Wimbletech CIC founder David Fletcher said: “The idea of

TheWorkary is to transform under-utilised space, support our public libraries and create a great alternative for those, like myself, who struggle to start and grow a business at home or in the local coffee shop.”

You can find out more about TheWorkary at www.wimbletech.com follow @_TheWorkary on Twitter or register online today.

Home security in winter Winter is here and it’s on these dark mornings and evenings that we need to think more about security around our homes.

There are various gadgets that can make your home seem occupied – low and high tech.

Neighbourhood Watch also promotes a security marking item at a discount price to residents that live in an active NW area. Marking your items of value makes it easier to return any stolen items,

as well as helping the police prosecute burglars.

Ask neighbours to make sure your bins are out and away on collection day and to push any mail through your letterbox, so your property does not appear to be empty.

For more information and security tips, or to find out how you can join Neighbourhood Watch, call 020 8284 5537, email bexwatch-office@ btconnect.com or visit www.bexleywatch.org.uk

Staying safe If you have any concerns about crime, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse or any other disorder in the borough, you may like to take part in our annual crime survey.

Your feedback will be passed on to the Bexley Community Safety Partnership and will be used to help decide its priorities for 2018/19.

Share your views by Sunday 31 December by visiting www.bexley.gov.uk/crimesurvey If you prefer, you can speak to the Council’s Community Safety team on 020 8303 7777 or write to: Community Safety, London Borough of Bexley, Civic Offices, 2 Watling Street, Bexleyheath, DA6 7AT.

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Community focus This new feature will introduce local organisations and the part they play in the life of our community

Crayford Mosque When did the Mosque open?

The North West Kent Muslim Association was formed in 1997. We started off in a small garage for Friday prayers and moved to Crayford in 2009.

Who manages the Mosque?

A committee, whose members include Mohammed Luthful Wahed, Hafiz Ateekur Rahman, Abdul Munim, Syed Alam and Jamal Ahmed.

How is it funded?

The mosque was bought by one of our community, but the running and maintenance costs are met by our members. This is also the case for the work we are having done to the mosque.

How many people visit the mosque every week?

We have around 300-500 attendants for Friday prayers and around 20 during other prayer times.

Can Bexley Staying Put help you? l Bexley Staying Put is a Home Improvement Agency for older, vulnerable and disabled residents of Bexley, offering help and advice on home repairs, improvement and adaptations to help people remain in their own homes in comfort and safety. l We offer a home visit from a Caseworker to advise on any home improvements or repairs necessary and also discuss the best way to fund these works. l Our Homefit Scheme may also be able to help with

offering assistance to older homeowners who wish to move to smaller accommodation or are moving into a care home. l We will also help to obtain estimates from reputable builders approved by Staying Put. For more information please call us on 020 8303 7777 and ask for Staying Put or visit the website https://www.bexley. gov.uk/services/housing/ staying-put

What are your most important events of the year?

Religiously, our most significant events each year are the two Eid celebrations.

We also have occasional speakers on Islamic teachings and values.

While the mosque is open to anyone at any time to come in and have a look at our prayers and ask questions, we also organise open days. We invite schools, local religious groups, emergency services and the general public to come in and take a tour, look at the exhibitions we put up and the presentations we hold giving a brief insight into Islam, and engage in discussion on a range of topics.

How can people get in contact with you to ask any questions and engage?

Email nwkma97@gmail.com Facebook https://www. facebook.com/NWKMADawah-113346488758609/ Twitter @nwkma97

Post Office to stop taking Council Tax payment slips From December the Post Office will no longer accept chargeable payment slips from residents to pay their Council Tax. Direct Debit is the easiest way to pay Council Tax or Business Rates and there are no extra charges. You can sign up quickly and easily online.

To sign up, or to find out about alternative methods of payment, visit www.bexley.gov.uk/counciltax

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your community

Rave reviews for Lighthouse The Erith Lighthouse programme of special dinners and events to explore and celebrate the town’s riverside setting has received rave reviews from residents. Final visitor numbers are expected to reach almost 10,000.

The pop up Lighthouse structure has also drawn attention to Erith from outside the Borough with the Evening Standard describing it as “a new beacon of fine dining”.

Erith Lighthouse was commissioned by Bexley Council and funded by the Mayor of London.

For more information visit www.greatererith.com “I’m really pleased that the local community have enjoyed the Lighthouse. Erith will be one of the first places in Bexley to benefit from the Borough’s ambitious growth plans, aimed at building a thriving riverside community.”

Cllr Linda Bailey, Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Growth.

Abbey Wood • Belvedere • Thamesmead • Barnehurst Sidcup • Crayford • Slade Green • Erith • Northumberl

local news from your

neighbourhood ‘The ride of your life’ Local company Caterham Cars is celebrating 60 years manufacturing its distinctive range of specialist lightweight sports cars.

The company has been based in Crayford for the past 30 years and is celebrating increasing sales.

Bexley’s history of manufacturing is a source of great pride and a key element of the Council’s future plans for growth.

Southmere library design Thamesmead residents were invited to have their say on five shortlisted designs for a new library at the heart of a new village that is being created in Thamesmead.

The purpose-built library demonstrates Peabody and London Borough of Bexley’s commitment to investing

in the local area and providing high quality facilities to serve new and existing communities.

The winning design was due to be announced as the magazine went to press.

Peabody will be entering into a contract with the practice to work as part of the Southmere Village design team.

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Barnehurst • Bexleyheath • Blackfen • Foots Cray • orthumberland Heath • Falconwood • Welling

your community

Blackfen improvements given ‘thumbs up’ Works to improve the public areas along Gloucester Parade and at the junction of Blackfen Road and Days Lane are complete and feedback from local businesses and residents has been positive.

The service road in front of the shops on Gloucester Parade has been opened up to improve pedestrian visibility and maximise safety.

Other improvements included widening the pavements and narrowing the road at the junction of Days Lane and Blackfen Road to ensure that vehicles slow down when approaching the junction. Building out the kerbs on both sides of Days Lane made it possible to plant trees and provide new seating to make the area more attractive for residents and shoppers.

Cubs keep up conservation efforts Tessa Garland was one of the originating artists of Truro’s famous City of Lights festival in Cornwall (above)

Festive parade to light up Bexleyheath Bexleyheath will be filled with Christmas cheer on Thursday 7 December, during the town’s first ever illuminated Christmas Lantern Parade. This special festive event, designed by international artist Tessa Garland, will take inspiration from the works of Roald Dahl. It

Young members of the 4th Barnehurst Cubs swept Mayplace playing fields in October, picking up discarded litter.

The group are working towards earning their ‘Environmental Conservation Badge’ and were

very keen to do their bit for the community.

Passers-by commented on how “the pathway looked so much better thanks to their help” and that their work “made such a difference to the area”.

will showcase the work of local children who made their very own lanterns during free workshops held in the town centre in October and November. Look out for further publicity around Bexleyheath for more details.

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all our yesterdays

Looking forward to looking back…

2017 was a very busy year for the Bexley Archives & Local Studies Centre.

The team achieved the coveted Archives Accreditation Award and produced ‘Boswell’s Bexley’, looking at the life of acclaimed local photographer Arthur Boswell.

We began work on heritage walking apps, ran an extensive programme of walks, talks and events, and saw our social media presence reach thousands of followers.

“We’re planning an even bigger programme of events and activities for 2018, which will all tie in with Bexley’s bid to become the first London Borough of Culture.

“We’ve talks and walks covering the 1918 Armistice, ‘Debs & Celebs’ at Hall Place, Bexley’s trams, Danson Park, archaeological treasures, Bexleyheath Broadway, historic cinemas, a Thamesmead trail and much more.”

Cllr Peter Craske, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Environment and Leisure.

The Local Studies Facebook page has almost 5,000 followers, and the team are also regular ‘Tweeters’ - @BexleyArchives Anyone is welcome to call in at the Centre to research your local area or your family history, or browse through our wonderful selections of books, maps, photographs and documents.

The ‘Boswell’s Bexley’ Book Launch will take place at Hall Place on 7 December.

For more information visit www.hallplace.org.uk/events

Events, dear boy...

Pictured clockwise from left are: Bexley’s 1918 Victory Tram, Lady Limerick of Hall Place fame in all her finery, and a Thamesmead street scene (nice chopper bike!)

Bexley Local Studies and Archives run a number of activities throughout the year.

They include talks on a range of subjects such as local maps, Bexley’s Boer War and local cinemas.

There are also fascinating exhibitions in the Central Library and Hall Place and Gardens.

Guided walks include a Danson Park tour and a historical trip around Thamesmead.

For more information on any of the events or on how to book your place visit www.bexley.gov.uk/libraries or email archives@bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777

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s on’t Year

6 local Christmas present ideas

Christmas is coming! We know that it is sometimes a struggle to think of gifts for friends and family so here are six local ideas that we hope will be useful

1

Danson Watersports Centre have vouchers available for a range of activities, for adults and children. Located in the beautiful surrounds of Danson Park, the centre offers activities including, sailing and kayaking courses, one to one tuition, birthday parties, and our very popular ‘Stay a Day’ holiday programmes. For vouchers or more information contact the centre via our Twitter page @Danson_WSC or call us on 020 8303 2828.

Boswell’s Bexley A photographer’s view of

the Borough 1890 to 1950

2

Pick up one of our excellent books on local history filled with interesting facts and amusing anecdotes. The latest - ‘Boswell’s Bexley’ - has just been published and features pictures from around the borough by the famous photographer.

Visit www.bexley.gov.uk/services/ archives-and-local-history/online-shop

If a friend or relative has lived in the borough for a number of years you may be interested in giving them a copy of an archived photograph or poster. The vast library available for purchase includes shots from all over Bexley, including schools, high streets and offices.

You never know, you may even find your house or yourself in one!

Visit www.borough photos.org/bexley

5

ration

By Penny Duggan in collabo Simon McKeon with Kirsty Macklen and

3

Why not buy a gift of being a Friend of Hall Place and Gardens.

Becoming a Friend means free entry for one year, invitations to new exhibitions, advance notification of events and 10% discount in the Hall Place Riverside Café. Find out more at www. hallplace.org.uk/general-information/ support-us

4

Why not kit a loved one out with a new skill or hobby by enrolling them on a course with the Learning and Enterprise College? With courses from floristry to yoga, exam courses to animal care, there is something for everyone. Visit www.thelearning centrebexley.ac.uk

6

You could always forgo the usual Christmas traditions and give someone the gift of your time.

There are many voluntary organisations across the borough looking for people with skills that you may take for granted.

Providing an hour or two a week could make a huge difference to a local community group or charity.

Visit www.bvsc.co.uk/ volunteer/volunteer

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Your Local Health Service

Keeping well this winter Winter conditions can lead to bad health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease.

The cold and damp weather, ice, snow and high winds can all aggravate any existing health problems and make people more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.

But there are lots of things residents can do to stay well this winter.

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet Many over-the-counter medicines (including paracetamol and ibuprofen) are available to relieve symptoms of common winter ailments, such as colds, sore throat, cough, sinusitis or painful middle ear infection (earache).

To manage winter illness symptoms at home: l Rest l Drink plenty of fluids l Have at least one hot meal a day to keep up energy levels l Use over-the-counter medications to help give relief

Prescriptions Ensure prescription medicines are collected before the pharmacy or GP practice closes for Christmas.

Patients can also order repeat prescriptions online – visit your GP practice website to find out more.

Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice from a local pharmacy Many people don’t realise the wide range of additional services available from their local pharmacy.

Pharmacists and their teams do much more than dispense prescriptions. They offer free expert advice on a wide range of health issues, support for self-care and medicines to treat common complaints, such as coughs and colds, flu, sore throats, earache, backache, stomach upsets and cuts and grazes.

Get the flu jab Patients over the age of 65, those with a long-term health condition, carers, all two- and three-year-old children, and children in school years reception and one to four are entitled to a free flu vaccination.

Look out for other people Remember that other people, such as older neighbours, friends and family members, may need extra help over the winter: l Keep in touch with friends, neighbours and family and ask if they need any practical help, or if they’re feeling under the weather l Make sure they’re stocked up with enough food supplies for a few days, in case they can’t go out l Make sure they get any prescription medicines before the Christmas holidays start and if bad weather is forecast l If they need help over the holiday period when the GP practice or pharmacy is closed, call NHS 111 and speak to a call adviser who will be able to direct the caller to a local service that is open.

Where to go for the right medical care l Self-care – a large range of common

illnesses and injuries, for example, coughs, colds, grazes, small cuts, sore throats and hangovers can be treated at home simply with over-the-counter medicines and plenty of rest. For health advice and guidance, or to find nearby services, visit www.nhs.uk and download the NHS Online Bexley app.

l Pharmacy – pharmacists and their teams

advise and treat a range of symptoms, for example, diarrhoea, earache, painful coughs, sticky eye, teething, rashes. No appointment is needed and most pharmacies have private consulting areas.

l Call 111 – for clinical advice, assessment

and for direction to the most appropriate services for treatment.

l GP – GPs and nurses have an excellent

understanding of general health issues and provide patients with medical advice, examinations and prescriptions.

All patients registered with a Bexley GP can request a GP appointment between 6.30pm and 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 8pm Saturdays and Sundays (including bank holidays). Appointments are offered from two hubs – one at Erith hospital and the other at Queen Mary’s hospital in Sidcup. To book an appointment, patients should contact their GP practice in the usual way. l Urgent Care Centres (UCCs) – patients

with injuries or medical problems that are urgent but not life threatening, such as broken bones, sprains and strains, can visit one of Bexley’s two UCCs. The UCC at Queen Mary’s hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the UCC at Erith hospital is open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.

l 999 and A&E – for life threatening

emergencies only.

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local information Council meetings All the meetings featured are held at the Civic Offices, Bexleyheath and take place at 7.30pm.

These meetings will be webcast and available at www.bexley.public-i.tv.

A full list of meetings is published on the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/meetings.

Free access to the internet is available at all Bexley libraries.

12 December – Public Cabinet 14 December – Planning Committee 18 January – Planning Committee 29 January – Public Cabinet 22 February – Planning Committee 26 February – Public Cabinet 7 March – Council 22 March – Planning Committee

LOCAL MPS For details of your local MP visit www.bexley.gov.uk

London Assembly Member Gareth Bacon AM (Bexley & Bromley) To contact Gareth Bacon write to: Gareth Bacon AM, Greater London Authority, City Hall, The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA, call: 020 7983 6571, or E-mail: gareth.bacon@london. gov.uk

THEATRES Geoffrey Whitworth Theatre Crayford 01322 526390 www.thegwt.org.uk Playhouse Theatre, Erith www.playhouse.org.uk 01322 350345 (Box Office) Edward Alderton Theatre, Bexleyheath 020 8298 1269 Book online at www.edwardalderton.org or call 0333 666 3366

YOUR COUNCILLORS The London Borough of Bexley is divided into 21 wards, each of which is represented by three local ward Councillors.

To find out which ward you live in, or for up-to-date details of how to contact your local Councillors or members of the Council’s Cabinet, please visit www.bexley.gov.uk or call 020 8303 7777 You can now search for thee names of your local Ward Councillors on the Council’s website using your home post code.

Visit http://democracy.bexley.gov.uk/ mgFindMember.aspx Old Barn Theatre & Theatre in the Round Rose Bruford College, Sidcup 020 8308 2616

Contact Centre opening times over Christmas and New Year The Contact Centre at the Civic Offices Bexleyheath will be open, as usual, on 28 and 29 December 2017 • telephone enquiries - 8am to 5pm • transactions reception 9am to 5pm

• main reception - 8am to 8pm It will be closed on 25, 26, 27 December 2017 and 1 January 2018 Should you need to contact the Council in an out-of-hours emergency during the holiday period, please use the Council's main

switchboard telephone number 020 8303 7777, which will be answered by the emergency contact officer.

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what’s on !

December to March 2018

For a list of events throughout the borough, visit the Council’s website at www.bexley.gov.uk/events Saturday 11 November to Sunday 24 December 2pm on Christmas Eve Ruxley Reindeer

crafts. There will also be a chance to meet Father Christmas. Admission: Free, but donations are welcome. 020 8319 8900 www.thewoodlandsfarmtrust.org

Wednesday 17 January – 7pm Stargazing

Ruxley Manor Garden Centre, Maidstone Road, Sidcup, DA14 5BQ

Wednesday 6 December Christmas Party Night

Wrap up warm to spend an evening looking at the stars with Crayford Manor House Astronomical Society Dartford.

Outdoor activities are weather dependant.

Includes tea and cake. Admission: £10 adults, £8 under 16s. Advance booking required. Phone 01322 621238 to book

Six lovely reindeer this Christmas, as we rotate them on display located at the back of the Christmas Market.

Book at www.ruxley-manor.co.uk

Tuesday 28 November 2.30pm to 4pm Adams, the Butler in a Grand Regency House Interpretative costumed talk Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Come and hear about the true nature of life ‘below stairs’, including servants duties and the practices employed to keep a household in good order. Mr Adams will also explain the ‘Honours of the Table’(the complexities and etiquette associated with dining) and the ‘ceremony’of taking tea.

Admission: £10 per person (includes tea and cake). Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238

Friday 1 December to Sunday 31 December – 10am to 4pm Christmas Garden Trail Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Mother Christmas has baked an entire gingerbread family. Find them all in the gardens to get her recipe.

Admission: £2.50 per trail (includes small prize). Pay on the day

Saturday 2 December 7.30pm Christmas Celebration Charity Concert Christ Church, Bexleyheath Broadway, DA6 7BT

Includes Festive refreshments, Traditional Carols and Special features.

Featuring Greenwich Concert Band, musical director Chris Lloyd, Christ Church Choir and special guest vocalist Shane Hampsheir. Admission: £10 Adults and £5 Children.

Tickets from Linda at Christ Church 07540 814043 or Jacky 07885 764578 Daveandjacky29@dsl.pipex.com

Sunday 3 December - 2.30pm The Nutcracker and the Mouse King Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

A magical new adaptation of the classic festive adventure that will delight all of the family. Performed by Quantum Theatre.

Admission: £10 adults, £8 Children.

Not suitable for children 3 or under Advance booking required.

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Sunday 3 December 11am to 3pm Christmas Fair

Come along to our Christmas Fair. There will be stalls to purchase Christmas gifts, mulled wine, as well as children’s trails and

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

The Boathouse, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

All prices include four course menu with a glass of our house selected wine, classic party novelties & entertainment. A nonrefundable £20 per person deposit will be required at the time of booking.

Michael Buble’Tribute. Admission: £35 Book at www.dansonboathouse.com

Tuesday 23 January – 7.30pm Evacuees The Emmanuel church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Thursday 7 December - 7pm The Choir School Hall Place and Gardens, Bourne Road, Bexley, Kent, DA5 1PQ

Start the festive season with our evening carol concert performed by The Choir School of Sidcup. Suitable for all. Admission: £12 adults, £8 children (includes mulled wine or juice and a mince pie). Advance booking required, phone 01322 621238

Thursday 7 December, Wednesday 13 December, Wednesday 20 December and Thursday 21 December Christmas Lunch The Boathouse, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

Four Course Christmas Menu – including a glass of house wine £25. A non-refundable £20 per person deposit will be required at the time of booking.

Book at www.dansonboathouse.com

Thursday 7 December 2.30pm‘Boswell’s Bexley’ Book Launch Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

An illustrated talk highlighting historic images from ‘Boswell’s Bexley’, which launches a new book looking at the life of local photographer Arthur Boswell.Your chance to purchase a signed copy of the book. Admission: £4.20 per person.

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Sunday 10 December 11am to 3pm Christmas Music in the Visitor Centre Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Greenwich String quartet will be performing festive tunes so sit back and enjoy the melodies. Admission: Free

Thursday 14 December to Friday 15 December - 12.30pm Christmas Lunches Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Served in the magnificent Great Hall, enjoy a four course festive lunch with friends, family or colleagues. £31.50 per person, (£10 deposit on booking) Phone 01322 621238 to book

Online updates

Friday 15 December - 6pm Christmas Party Evening Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

A reception drink followed by a 4 course dinner with coffee and 1/2 bottle of wine, dancing til midnight. Menu to be provided in advance. Dinner served at 7pm (arrival from 6pm) £52 per person (£10 deposit on booking)Phone 01322 621238 to book

Sunday 17 December 11am to 3pm Christmas Music in the Visitor Centre

Wednesday 20 December 7.30pm Acme Singers– (doors open 7pm) Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Acme Singers are a group of amateur and professional signers. Directed by Claire Troth for a debut evening of a cappella festive singing at Hall Place. Admission: £12 adults, £8 children.

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

8 January – 4 February 10am - 5pm (until 6pm on Thursday) Dino Live!

Jacks Jazz band will be getting us in the festive spirit. Admission: Free

Hall Place, Bourne Road, Bexley DA5 1PQ

Sunday 17 December - 2.30pm Christmas Concert Hall Place & Gardens, Bexley

Performance starts at 2.30pm (doors open 2pm). The Geoffrey Whitworth Strolling Players return to perform songs, carols and literary gems in their popular festive concert. Admission: £12 per person. (includes mulled wine or juice and a mince pie) Phone 01322 621238 to book

Speaker: Cynthia Gillett returns to give an insight about WWII evacuation of children and the consequences of their displacement, together with the subsequent ‘coming together’of those who had been evacuees. Admission: Annual subscription £15, single lecture attendance for non-members £4. 020 8300 8647

Friday 26 January 12-2pm Bexley Volunteer Fair Geddes Place Church Bexleyheath

Saturday 27 January 10am - 2pm RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Are you brave enough to have your own dinosaur encounter? Adults £5. Children £3 www.hallplace.org.uk Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Come along and help us identify some of the River Cray’s birdlife. Meet at the bird hide, follow signs on site.

Admission: Free Entry

Wednesday 10 January 2.30pm Garden your way to Health

1 February 2018 2pm doors open at 1.30pm Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society

Monday 18 December - 7.30 The ‘Magic of Christmas’ charity concert Orchard Theatre, Dartford

An evening of music and song with plenty of Christmas favourites! With Belvedere Concert Band and guests. In aid of local branches of Parkinson’s UK and the Samaritans. Tickets from Orchard Theatre.

Book at www.orchardtheatre.co.uk

Tuesday 19 December Christmas Party Night The Boathouse, Danson Park, Danson Road, Bexleyheath, DA6 8HL

All prices include four course menu with a glass of our house selected wine, classic party novelties & entertainment. A nonrefundable £20 per person deposit will be required at the time of booking. Frank Sinatra and Frankie Valli. Admission: £35 Book at www.dansonboathouse.com

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

A talk by Nick Dobson on how gardening can be as good for you as going to the gym. It can also help people with arthritis and promote positive mental health by alleviating stress. Admission: £4.20 per person. Advance booking required.

Phone 01322 621238 to book

St Mary’s Church Hall Bexley DA5 3LX

AGM followed by talk by June Ford on ‘Monopoly’- 020 8302 9984

visit www.bexley.gov.uk/events

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@whatsoninbexley Wednesday 7 February 2.30pm The Debutante season… so much fun… or was it? –

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Join real life debutante Elfrida Eden Fallowfield as she regales the highs and lows of being a debutante in the 1950s.

Discover what it was really like behind the glamour and glitter. Admission: £4.20 per person (advance booking required) Phone 01322 621238 to book

Saturday 10 February 10am – 3.30pm Crossroads Care Volunteer Recruitment Fair

Marriott Hotel, Bexleyheath DA6 7JZ

Thought about volunteering? Find out how to make a difference and become part of our successful befriending service. Refreshments and free face painting for children. www.crossroadscaresoutheastlondon.org.uk

10 – 24 February BookBuzz

Locations across the borough

Bexley’s first literary festival. Fun and events for all ages. www.bexley.gov.uk/bookbuzz

Monday 12 February – Friday 16 February Superhero February

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Everyone has a super power; you just have to recognise what it is! Come dressed up as your favourite superhero and join the fun.

10am & 2pm (1hour session) Admission: £4 children, adults free. (advance booking required).

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Sunday 18 February 11am to 3pm Wedding Showcase day

Wednesday 7 March - 2.30pm Tour of Debutantes: The Last Curtsey

For more information please contact Hall Place. Admission: Free www.hallplace.org.uk 01322 526574

Let our curator captivate you in this tour of our latest exhibition. Discover the tradition and history of debutantes plus some unusual debs that made their mark, including one from Hall Place. Admission: £4.20 per person (advance booking required) Phone 01322 621238 to book

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Friday 23 February 7pm – 11pm Murder Mystery Evening

Give your ‘little grey cells’an evening out and discover whodunit! Set in the atmospheric, historic house at Hall Place.

Includes a full three course meal and reception drinks. £43 per person (£10 deposit required on booking) Phone 01322 621238 to book

Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Sunday 11 March 12.30pm onwards Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea Hall Place and Gardens, Bexley, DA5 1PQ

Wednesday 28 February 2.30 (doors open at 2pm ) Tour of WW1 and WW11 exhibitions –

Spoil your mum with a special afternoon Tea at Hall Place. Enjoy a traditional tea with finger sandwiches, cakes, scones, jam and cream. Who wouldn’t want to indulge! £19.95 per person. (£10 deposit on booking) advance booking required.

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Admission: £4.20 per person (advance booking required).

Phone 01322 621238 to book

Tuesday 13 March – 7.30pm Thomas Hawsley and early water supply

Curator led tour of our wartime galleries.

1 March 2018 2pm doors open at 1.30pm Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society

St Mary’s Church Hall, Bexley DA5 3LX

Helen Hare demonstration ‘East meets West’- 020 8302 9984

5 April 2018 2pm doors open at 1.30pm Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society St Mary’s Church Hall Bexley DA5 3LX

Sophie Beanie demonstration ‘Spring Extravaganza’- 020 8302 9984

Twelve

Twelve public art projects showcasing artists from Centrepieces Mental Health charity. All located within the Hall Place grounds

A six month project October 2017 – March 2018 www.hallplace.org.uk www.centrepieces.org

The Emmanuel Church Hall, Hadlow Road, Sidcup

Speaker – Mike Chimes is the former director, Engineering policy and Innovation, at the institution of Civil Engineers. He will inform us about Thomas Hawksley, the 19th Century water supply to be available at the turn of a tap. Admission: annual subscription £15, single lecture attence for non- members £4. 020 8300 8647

WEB

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a-z information Council news via email newsletters at www.bexley.gov.uk/news

www.bexley.gov.uk Register to vote at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote Useful Council numbers

How do I?

Automated payments – 020 3045 5200

Contact the police when it is not an emergency on 101 or 0300 123 1212

Adoption and Fostering - 0800 783 7699 Bexley Local Offer - Special Educational Needs and Disability Support for 0-25 year olds - 020 3045 5677 Bexley Magazine - 020 3045 3605 Births, deaths and marriages - 03000 415252 registerofficebexley@kent.gov.uk Council Tax & Housing Benefits – 0345 302 2317 Emergency Out of Hours Service - 020 8303 7777 /

020 8303 7171 Home Library Service – 020 3045 4565 Housing advice - 020 3045 3400 Temporary Accommodation – 020 3045 3155/ 020 3045 3156 Parking Services - 020 3045 3000 Adults Social Services - Residential care – 020 3045 4900

100 + services online Seven days a week + 24 hours a day l Apply - Pay – Find - Report

Report a gas leak - 0800 111 999 Get health advice and reassurance -111 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk Report a leak or burst pipe to Thames Water - 0800 714 614 (24 hour leakline) or #tweetaleak to @thameswater

Other useful contacts Domestic Violence – 0808 2000 247 Job centre plus – 0345 604 3719 Resources Plus - 020 3045 3800 Citizens Advice Bureaux – 01322 517150 Age UK information and advice – 0800 678 1174 For other enquires call 0800 169 8787 Bexley Voluntary Service Council – 01322 524682 Bexley Foodbank - 07932 431350 For all other Council services please call our automated switchboard on 020 8303 7777 to request the department you require

Worried about a child? Call 020 8303 7777 and ask for Safeguarding Children’s Services. In an emergency always call 999.

020 3045 5387

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local organisations Academy Photographic Group 07976 760488 Academy - United Judo Bexleyheath www.unitedjudo.com Active Horizons Youth 07833 477651/020 8310 5481 Age UK Bexley 020 8300 0883 Air Training Corps (Youth) Welling Sqdn - 020 8303 7379 Bexleyheath Sqdn - 01322 559056 Sidcup Sqdn - 020 8309 9926 Erith Sqdn - 01322 340749 Alzheimer’s Society Bexley Branch - 01322 524950/ 559308 Art Group Welling 07905 437840 Association of Bexley Charities ‘78 www.bexleych.wix.com/bexleycharities-78 Assyrian Community of Kent 01322 335479 Avante Community Support: Homecare 01322 344 980 107 (Bexleyheath) Army Cadet Force 07756 775294 Advocacy for All 020 8300 9666 Barnehurst Yoga Club 0771 222 6261 Barnehurst & Ivor Thomas Pool League davidleeds452@btinternet.com Belvedere Art Group 01322 556876 Bexley Borough Mummies 07572 473 272 Belvedere Community Forum and Centre 020 8311 5550 Bexley Accessible Transport Scheme 01322 311333 Bexley Active Retirement Club 020 8303 9675 Bexley African Caribbean Community Association 01322 332142 Bexley Archaeological Group 020 8300 1752 Bexley Art Group 01322 430681 Bexley Arts Trust 020 8303 8177 Bexley Bards Story Tellers 0771 222 6261 Bexley Blind bowlers club 020 8856 8954 Bexley Borough Pensioners Forum 01322 310507 Bexley Boys & Girls Hall 0208 858 5123 Bexley Centre for the Unemployed 020 8301 3187 Bexley Churches Housing Assoc. Ltd 020 3866 5999 Bexley Civic Society 020 8302 2443 Bexley Coin Club 0208 303 0510 Bexley Community Library Art Club 01322 836303/07446 480619 Bexley Cricket Club steventhomas.crawley@openreach.co.uk Bexley Croquet Club 01322 333071 Bexley & Dartford Cats Protection 01322 611911 Bexley & Sidcup Lions Club 07790 279683 Bexley Deaf Centre Fax/Minicom - 01322 351122

Bexley Federation of Allotment & Leisure Gardeners (BFALG) 07470 468594 Bexley Football Club 0208 858 5123 Bexley Natural Environment Forum 01322 521 259 Bexley Down’s Syndrome Group www.bexleydownssyndrome.co.uk Bexley Heritage Trust Hall Place - 01322 526574 Bexley Historical Society 020 8309 5884 Bexley Ladies Keep Fit Club Hurst Community Centre Bexley & Lewisham Sea Cadets 020 8304 9448 Bexley Marquetry Group 01689 851702 Bexley Mencap 020 8303 6336 Bexley ME Support Group 020 8303 8553 Bexley Moorings Project www.bexleymoorings.co.uk Bexley Pain Group 020 8298 6287 Bexley Philatelic Society (Bexley Stamp Club) 01322 559210 Bexley Rotary Club raymorris1@hotmail.co.uk Bexley School of Dance www.bexleyschoolofdance.com Bexley SNAP 01322 359 475 Bexley Stop Smoking Service 0800 7832514 Bexley Talking Newspaper 01322 445293 Bexley Tinnitus Support Group 01322 525115 Bexley Twofold 020 8303 7777/020 3045 4920 Bexley Turkish Elderly Day Centre 020 8306 6736 Bexley Voice 07512 409936 Bexley Ukulele Group 07711 704033 Bexley WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) 020 8300 1845 Bexley Women’s Aid 020 8301 1536 Bexleyheath & District Club for Disabled 020 8303 4826 Bexleyheath & Barnehurst Bowls Club 01322 526932 or 0744 447 5417 Bexleyheath & Belvedere Hockey Club 07720 412547 Bexleyheath Photographic Society www.bexleyheathphotographicsociety. co.uk Bexleyheath Morning Townswomens Guild 020 8310 4537 Bexleyheath Trading Card Gaming www.uktcgs.com Bexleyheath & Crayford Waterside Women’s Institute 020 8303 5158 Bexrose Gardening Society 01322 527 947 Bird College 020 8300 6004 Brampton Art Group 020 8303 9132 The Boys’ Brigade & Girls Assoc 020 8304 9669 Bridge Mental Health 020 8298 9677

Bridging the Gap South East 020 8300 5444 British Army Association 01322 449175 British Polio Fellowship (North West Kent Branch) 020 8304 1694 Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) 01727 867201 Cancer Research UK - local fund raising 020 8302 3964 Care Matters UK Ltd - 01322 522440 Carers’ Support Bexley 020 8302 8011 Chislehurst & Sidcup Ballet Club gillian.heyward@gmail.com The Compassionate Friends Child Bereavement Support www.tcf.org.uk Complementary Cancer Care Trust 01322 524079 Connexions Prospects 020 3045 5555 Contact the Elderly 020 8303 4723 County Gate Lodge www.cgl7849.org Crayford & District Men’s Probus Club 020 8304 2802 Crayford Art Group 020 8303 4656 Crayford Camera Club 01322 438808 Crayford Judo Club 01322 631108 Crayford Manor House Historical Society 01322 551279 Crayford Town Archive 07800 992931 The Crossness Engines Trust www.crossness.org.uk Crossroads Care South East London www.crossroadscaresoutheastlondon. org.uk Cruse Bereavment Care 020 8304 5245 Danson Youth Trust 020 8303 6052 Darent Cray National Trust Association 01474 705402 Diabetes UK Bexley Support Group 07775 305110 Douglas Macmillan Cancer Information Service 020 8308 3295 Duplicate Bridge Club at VCD Crayford 020 8303 1402 / 07955 470762 East Wickham Open Space Conservation Volunteers www.eastwickham.org.uk Erith & Belvedere Local History Society 01322 337893/01322 437925 Erith & District Swimming Club edsc@edsc.org.uk Erith & District Synchronised Swimming Squads synchro@edsc.org.uk Erith Model Railway Society www.erithmrs.ukmodelshops.co.uk Erith Nemesis Martial Arts Gym 01322 335076 Erith Veterans Club Singers 01322 553078 Evergreen Care Bexley www.evergreencarebexley.org Friends of Danson Park 020 8311 1351 Friends of the Earth - Bexley www.foe.co.uk/bexley

To add your organisation to this list, or to update your contact details please e-mail communications@bexley.gov.uk or telephone 020 3045 3605 Friends of Foots Cray Meadows www.footscraymeadows.org Friends of the Red House 01322 865186 Friends of the Shuttle www.friendsoftheshuttle.org Family Action 020 8310 6570 Geddes Place Widows Group 01322 521754 Guide Dogs for the Blind - Bexley 0845 3727415 Haven - Gay & Lesbian Social Group 01322 287356 / 07804 808581 Headway South East London/ North West Kent 020 8319 7148 Healthwatch Bexley 020 8304 9344 Hill Park Autistic Trust 01322 334318 Holy Trinity Lamorbey Social Club 07903 565502 Hurst Horticultural & Garden Society 020 8306 2202 Imago 07710 847812 www.imago.community Insight Bexley 07824 999581 Inspire Community Trust 020 3045 5100 Irish Community Services in Greenwich ,Bexley & Lewisham 020 8854 4466 Kingfisher Bowls C lub 020 8302 8830 Lamorbey Park Archers www.lamorbeyparkarchers.co.uk Lamorbey & Sidcup Local History Society 020 8302 0059 Lamorbey Park Cricket Club 07741 193133 Lesnes Abbey Woods Conservation Volunteers www.lacv.btik.com London Borough of Bexley Retired Employees Assoc 020 8300 5526/020 8303 0606 Macular Society Bexley Support Group 020 8856 8954 Manor House Bowls Club 01322 400031 07960 862249 The Meeting Place Wed 9.30am - 1.30pm St John Fisher Church Hall Meridian Canoe Club 07801 549601 MIND In Bexley 020 8303 5816 MND Association 01322 228169 Multiple Sclerosis Society 020 8306 7050 North Kent Scottish Association Wednesday evenings at Barnehurst Golf Club Old Bexley Floral Arrangement Society 020 8302 9984 Old Bexley Music Society 020 8306 0353 Parkinson’s Disease Society 020 8306 5973 The Practical Photographic Group 020 8304 6561 Rainbows, Guide or Ranger Groups 020 8301 1200/01322 294516 The Rendevous Club for over 50’s 01322 287356/020 8859 2035 Royal Airforces Assoc 020 8303 5158

Royal Artillery Association Sidcup Branch 020 8306 1992 The Royal British Legion, Sidcup & Footscray Branch 020 8302 0846 St John Ambulance Sidcup - 0844 770 4800 Erith - 07974 219471 St Michaels Ladies Club Welling 020 8306 1146 Samaritans 020 8301 1010 Shopmobility Scheme 020 8301 5237 Sidcup Art Club - 020 8302 5390 Sidcup Chess Club www.sidcupchessclub.org.uk Sidcup & District Caledonian Assoc 020 8856 4522 Sidcup & District Motor Cycle Club 01634 201268 Sidcup and District University of the Third Age 020 8850 2046 Sidcup Jazz Club 01322 442442 Sidcup Literary & Scientific Society 020 8300 8647 Sidcup Philatelic Society 020 8300 9627 Sidcup Symphony Orchestra 01322 552710 Signpost Community Drug & Alcohol Team 01322 357940 SmileyArk Kids Club 07956 263531 The Scout Association 0845 094 6368 or 0845 300 1818 Speakability Sidcup 080 8808 9572 SSAFA - the Armed Forces Charity 020 8639 0495 Stillbirth & Neonatal Death 07951 454682 St John Ambulance Crayford Sidcup 0844 770 4800 St Mary’s (Welling)Players 020 8303 8933/ 07866 259302 Trust Thamesmead 020 3828 4900 The Link Thamesmead 020 3828 4950 Sporting Club Thamesmead 020 3828 4920 Thames Innovation Centre 020 8320 1000 Trefoil Guild - Invicta (Welling) 020 8304 8409 / 01689 811116 United Nations Assoc (Bexley) 01322 335 479 University of the Third Age Abbey Wood & Thamesmead 020 8311 4797 University of the Third Age Bexley 01322 556876 Veterans Club of Bexley 020 8304 2815 Victim Support (Bexley) 020 7277 1433/ 020 8698 4583 Volunteers Information Service (VIS) 01322 335 479 Welling University of the Third Age 020 8304 4130 Women’s Aid Helpline 020 8301 1536

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Blazing Fires:Blazing Fires

15/5/09

15:39

Page 1

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Recruiting Now Carewatch provides home care services to vulnerable people in the Bexley Borough so they can continue living at home.

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602063 BEX MAG Winter 2017 Pgs 22-32.indd 32

You may be looking for a few hours’ work each week or up to 30 hours each week, providing personal care and practical “ I like working for Carewatch support to our customers, full training and as it’s like one big extended support will be given every step of the way.” family where everyone looks out for each other and support is always at hand.”

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS and use of own car is required for working purposes.

If you would like a rewarding job in care, please call or email:

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07/11/2017 10:55:05